2. Fear = Immature Relationship with God Many children grow up with a “fear” of their parents. This is a good thing… up to a certain point. If there is only fear, but no love…the relationship between parent and child will always be lacking. Coming into a relationship with God through Jesus is equally similar: 1 John 4:18b

3. Perfect Love… Fear is good, but love is perfect. Love also perfects us: it brings us to maturity: It allows us to live as God intended. Matt. 5:43-48 It allows us – individually – to boldly come before the throne of God. 1 John 4:17 It brings us into such harmony as to collectively be a “perfect man”. Eph. 4:11-16

4. The World Needs to See God’s Perfect Love God is the source of love. 1 John 4:7 He sent Jesus who showed sinful man His love. V. 9 Jesus, however, is no longer in the world to manifest God’s love…

5. Demonstrating Perfect Love Thus, the church demonstrates God’s love to the world. Vs. 12 Loving one another the way God loves us. 1 John 4:7 It is a sacrificial love. 1 John 4:9-11 Sharing God’s love of Jesus’ sacrifice. 1 John 4:14-15